. NMT05-T1034
Volume V · Page 1034
| assignments at Mauthausen
concentration camp. He received three letters from Amt D II signed by the
defendant. In these letters Sommer gave the names of approximately twelve
inmates, with instructions that they were not to be transferred to other camps
and were not to be employed in camp Mauthausen. Within three to five days after
receiving these letters, the inmates named therein were reported dead. The
causes of death in these reports were, "shot while trying to escape," and
"suicide by running into electrically charged wire." The Tribunal does not deem it necessary to again enumerate in this judgment, the horrors and deaths of concentration camp inmates that resulted from inhumane treatment, beatings, tortures, starvation, murders, shootings, hangings, gassings, and burnings — nor would any useful purpose be served by again describing the millions of deaths and wholesale pillage and unlawful confiscation of property resulting from "Action Reinhardt," and the, "Final Solution of the Jewish Problem." Reference is hereby made to other parts of this judgment for these details. Amt D II and the defendant Sommer played an important part in the commission of these atrocities and murders, and for such participation on his part, the defendant Sommer is criminally responsible. The defendant Sommer testified at great length in his own defense, and attempted in various ways to answer and explain the evidence offered on the part of the prosecution. He offered documents, affidavits, and witnesses, in an effort to show a lack of criminal responsibility on his part in the operation of Amt D II of the WVHA. He emphatically denied all evidence which would tend to show guilt on his pact of all charges in the indictment. The Tribunal has carefully considered the evidence brought to its attention by the defendant, and has carefully and thoughtfully considered the closing argument of his counsel. But the Tribunal cannot and does not accept as true the defendant's contentions that his actions in D II did not involve criminal responsibility. Without attempting to pass upon his guilt or innocence, the Tribunal deplores the fact that Gerhard Maurer was not apprehended prior to the commencement of this case, in order that his responsibility, if any, for the operation of D II could be determined. |
| CONCLUSIONS |
| The Tribunal finds and adjudges from the evidence, and beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant Karl Sommer is guilty of the charges contained in counts two and three of the indictment. |
